The federal Department of Justice in Canada is confronting substantial budgetary pressures, leading to plans to lay off up to 264 employees. This decision reflects a broader trend within the Canadian government as it seeks to manage its resources more effectively amidst fiscal constraints.
Ian McLeod, a spokesperson for the Department of Justice, stated in an email that these layoffs are “difficult but necessary” steps in response to ongoing budgetary pressures that the department can no longer sustain. The 264 positions identified as potentially redundant have already been communicated to the employees involved this week.
Over the past year, the Department of Justice has implemented several initiatives to address budgetary concerns, including staffing restrictions. This decision to downsize comes as the overall number of federal public service jobs has decreased by nearly 10,000 in the past year, marking a significant shift as it is the first decrease since 2015.
As of March 31, 2025, there were 357,965 individuals employed by the Government of Canada, a reduction from 367,772 in 2024. Concurrently, the Department of Justice itself saw a decrease of 29 employees, dropping from 5,637 to 5,608 within the same year.
The trend of layoffs extends beyond the Department of Justice. Other federal organizations, including the Canada Revenue Agency, Employment and Social Development Canada, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, have also faced similar workforce reductions recently.
In the aftermath of these layoffs, Prime Minister Mark Carney has committed to not cutting the federal public service but to capping its size. He has also announced intentions to conduct a “comprehensive” review of government spending, aiming to enhance the efficiency and productivity of federal operations.
This announcement and the associated layoffs have raised concerns about the impacts on public service effectiveness and the ability to meet citizens' needs amid ongoing fiscal challenges. As the government navigates these financial pressures, the focus remains on managing resources responsibly while striving to maintain operational integrity within essential departments.
